Canada: Falun Gong Practitioners Help Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Ottawa (Photos)

March 18, 2014 | By Ying Zi, a Minghui correspondent in Ottawa, Canada

(Minghui.org) After a long winter with more snow than usual, people are anxious for spring. Ottawa’s 32nd annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 15, 2014, was a reminder that spring is just around the corner. The parade featured performances by the award-winning Divine Land Marching Band, returning for its sixth year and an all-time favorite.

The Divine Land Marching Band

Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson and several city council members were among the spectators. Mr. Watson, who has attended the parade every year since 1992, said that he appreciated celebrating an Irish tradition with the Asian community.

Bryan Daly, host of the event, is a fourth-generation Irish immigrant. He was very impressed by the band’s costumes, performances, and presentation. He thanked the Falun Gong practitioners for their community contribution.

Alex Zhang, conductor of the Divine Land Marching Band, said, “We are here to bring beautiful music to the community. I am proud of the team and our performance.” The band is comprised of over 60 Falun Gong practitioners from Ottawa and Montreal.

“The band is well received in many countries including Canada,” said Zhang, “because our members always perform with their hearts.”

The Irish community started the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade in 1952. More than 30 groups participated in this year’s event.